Wool has a deep, warm, rich look and a long history. This fabric dates back to before history was recorded, when humans discovered that sheepskin would keep them warm when the weather was cold and cool when it was hot, and would absorb moisture without feeling wet. While it would be difficult to duplicate a fiber with the qualities that wool has, modern technology has improved some of its undesirable traits: Today's wool creases nicely and is shrink resistant, mothproof and even stain resistant. Due to these technological advances, wool remains a very popular choice today.

Rugs. Wool fibers' antistatic properties and natural resistance to soiling makes them a desirable choice for rugs. However, when wool does get dirty, it is not as easy to clean as some synthetic fibers.

Knitting. Wool in its natural state has a crimp to its strand, which creates an elastic property when it's woven into yarn. The elasticity makes it more durable and a wonderful product to knit or crochet with.

Over the years I have accumulated a lot of wool rugs and wool blankets; I love them! The rugs wear like iron and clean up really easily. A wool rug near the fireplace is perfect because of the fire retardant properties. They don't get worn and shiny and slippery like man made fibers do. My wool blankets breath really well so I don't get sticky hot in bed, just a nice comfortable warmth. I really enjoy wool coats, jackets, skirts, and bags. They also wear extremely well; get them in a classic design cause they will last forever.

Some wool is itchy, but according to the caption under the last picture it can feel very soft when the natural lanolin is not removed from the fiber. I have owned a couple of wool sweaters in the past that were very soft, and many that were itchy! Sounds like the soft variety would make for a wonderful blanket.

I'm a handspinner of various fibers types I can tell you that there are over 200 breeds of sheep, and a lot of other "wools" to consider. Some of it is meant for outerwear (like Icelandic wool,) and some of it is soft enough to be worn next to the skin. You wouldn't want a wool rug made out of something so soft it would not wear well--nor would you want a winter scarf made from rug yarn! BTW--as a crocheter I have to correct them about the "knitted" throw on the bed--it's crocheted, not knitted. There's a dif.

Thank you all for your kind comments, I enjoy writing, learning, and sharing. Oldbob, wool can be very scratchy, however if the natural lanolin from the sheep is left in it, it can be very soft. The softest wool is derived from the undercoat fibers of the Cashmere goat.

You could add hand-crafted hooked rugs to your list on wonderful wool. Hooked rugs today, made from 100% wool, can range from the traditional or primitive to contemporary and abstract to suit your interior, and the work being done today is beautiful. Well-designed hand-crafted art for your walls or floors, and great insulators, too! This one is my "Herringbone"...but google hooked rugs and there are many, many wonderful rughookers around making stunning pieces appropriate for any decor.

Yup cvsharkey is right, that's a crocheted throw on the bed, we crocheters frequently have our work noted as "knitted". I have found that sometimes people who state they are allergic to wool because it's itchy may actually be having a reaction to the way some commercial fleeces are prepared for use. Again cvsharkey is correct about the types of wool as well. My belief is there is a wool for everyone.

I've been looking at wool garments in thrift stores for handsome, classic suiting patterns destined to become throw pillow covers. My concern about wool for larger pieces (e.g., upholstery) is moth damage. Is that a legit worry?

is there a possible difference, then, on how much of an allergic reaction one would have amongst the 200 different types of sheep wool cvsharkey mentions? I love wool and would be happy to have one I don't react to....

Slept with a Merino wool blanket in a hotel and had to have one. So very soft, warm and breathable. Pricey though, but wears like iron. Had a wool dinner dress one time that was spun thin and woven into something like a chiffon. Truly beautiful! Wool is for so much more than itchy sweaters!

Gillianne, the vintage wool for accessories is a neat idea. For upholstery, I would use modern wool fabric that has been moth-proofed. Mary Jane, those are gorgeous rugs. When wool has bright color, it is so crisp and vivid. Catriona, thank you for the tip, I was not aware that sheep skin could be washed.

@oldbob I have 3 merino wool sweaters, they are not itchy even next to the skin unless you have very sensitive skin, perhaps. Never saw blanket from that wool, though. Have pure wool blanket, it's itchy, but not through the sheet.

Those fluffy wool rugs shown in several pictures are a nightmare to clean. They shed like crazy, need to be 'combed' to keep from matting, and they can only be cleaned by having them sent out for professional washing.

An ex-knitter, I developed an allergy to wool. Heartbroken, I've tried every variety I could find, even tried a silk sweater with 2% mohair, and still break out in hives. There is definitely not a wool for everyone.

Moths... I have wool in my home and suddenly, moths appeared and their larvae have eaten holes in an area rug and some old needlepoint cushion covers. Grrrrrr.... So be vigilant! Having said that, these are the 1st moths I've had to deal with in my life, but it's still heartbreaking

Kelly, thank you for sharing that info. Sometimes things look great in a photo but do not perform well when lived in. Symasapi, thank you for sharing your photo, your knitting is lovely. Karelina, that makes me so sad. Have you found other fibers that you can knit without a reaction? Bowden, how are you getting rid of the moths?

Well Lee Anne, I've taken the rugs to the dry cleaners (said to kill the eggs) and put smaller items in my freezer (said to do the same). I've also got moth traps dotted around the house and they're catching lots of the little bas#*@ds! Aside from that, I don't know what else to do, so if you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!

Culpepper Thanks for asking. I've tried silk and cotton. Though they both dye well, they don't have the elasticity and flexibility, strength and warmth of wool. I don't really like the colors of acrylics or the feel. Since my grandmother taught me when I was little, I've knitted. It's strange not to. I just knit once in a while for a gift.
I buy wool things rugs, wall hangings, pillows, throws, preferably handmade. They're so lovely! I've just bought a 1900 house, so my creative juices are being channeled into renovating. It's hard work, but fun!

Thanks for the advice, Lee Anne. What sort of company would treat the wool? Are we talking a dry cleaner? A carpet company? All my needlepoint cushions are still in the freezer and the rugs still in their dry cleaning bags, as I'm too afraid to bring them out, knowing that the adult moths are still around and still laying eggs!

If you live in Atlanta, I use Cristomar. They are Chemists and it is amazing what they do for wool rugs! If you do not live here, call and ask for Mary tell her that Lee Anne Culpepper suggested you call,(she was on my radio show) and I know that she will give you the very best advice. 770-753-4242.